Charlotte Teenage Golfer Misses Out On US Open Qualifying In A Playoff
A couple of weeks ago I was spending an afternoon playing golf as a guest at Providence Country Club. While warming up for my round, I kept hearing an amazing, solid sound coming from a teenager hitting balls on the driving range just a few feet from me. Colin Salema was neck deep in preparation for US Open Qualifying.
Who Is Colin Salema?
Colin Salema is a senior at Providence High School. He’s also some kind of golfer. He’s a past runner-up for the North Carolina State Championship, placed 4th in the latest Carolina’s Amateur Championship, and won the prestigious North South Amateur Championship in 2022 contested on Pinehurst No. 2.
Why Is Pinehurst No. 2 Significant?
It just so happens that Pinehurst No. 2 is the site of this year’s United States Open Championship. One of golf’s major championships. To play in it is a dream for just about every American boy who grows up swinging a golf club. No doubt this is especially the case if you’re a North Carolina boy like Colin Salema.
How Does One Qualify For The US Open?
In addition to the US Open being one of the most prestigious golf tournaments, it is also the most fair and democratic to get into. All you have to do is have your skill level at a certain verified level and pay an entry fee. At that point, you are entered into a local qualifying tournament. From there, you can advance to a sectional qualifying tournament. Should you finish high enough in that one, you’re in the US Open.
How Did Colin Salema Do In His US Open Qualifying Attempt?
Wednesday, May 1, local qualifying for the US Open took place on Pinehurst’s No. 6 course (there are currently 10 with an 11th about to be constructed). The top 5 in that event would move on to sectional qualifying. Two alternates would be selected as well. At the end of the 18 holes, Colina Salema was one of six golfers that would be in a playoff for the final two spots and two alternate spots for sectional qualifying. He was unable to pull it out in the playoff.
When Is The US Open At Pinehurst?
The US Open returns to the Vilage of Pinehurst and the Pinehurst Resort’s famed No. 2 course June 13-16.
Best Myrtle Beach Golf Courses For Your Buddies Trip
For the last 8-9 years, my best friend and I have been taking the last week of February and heading down to Myrtle Beach for a huge golf week. My definition of huge? This year we were gone 8 days and played 216 holes of golf at that time. Myrtle Beach, to me, is the golf capital of America, and perfect for that “escape the cold weather/buddies golf trip.”
Nowhere else in the country has a population of greater golf courses over such a relatively small area. Everyone has their favorites, but here is my list of 10 in no particular order.
Note, my friend has a condo down there and so worrying about where to sleep has never been an issue. Consequently, this list is based just off my thoughts about the golfing experience only. Accommodations, dining, etc. I leave to others.
